Learn about simplified data entry in Numbers for iOS

Numbers for iOS formats data based on what you enter. Learn how to change the format and enter data with the keyboard.

Numbers includes several different keyboards to make adding data to your spreadsheet simple. You can also turn your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch sideways to edit in the landscape orientation.

When you start entering data, Numbers automatically recognizes what you put in a cell and formats it appropriately. For example, if you enter "$100", Numbers automatically formats the cell for currency and uses the Numeric Keyboard when you edit the cell.

If you want to change the format of a cell, tap the cell you want to edit, then tap , then tap Format. Tap a format to apply it to the cell, or tap to see the details of a format.

Text keyboard

This is the default keyboard that you can use to type words, numbers, dates, and more. If you're using an iPad*, you can also use the gesture keys to enter numbers and other characters. To quickly enter a number or symbol, drag downward on its key and then lift your finger.

* This feature might not be available on all iPad models.

Numeric keyboard

Tap to enter numbers, currency values, and fractions. You can also use this keyboard to add a star rating, checkbox, or enter numbers in scientific E-notation format.

Date, time, and duration keyboards

Tap , then tap the Date & Time button or Duration button to use the keyboards designed to quickly enter dates and times. You can adjust an existing time value using the - and + buttons above the keyboard.

Formula keyboard

You can use the formula keyboard to add functions, numbers, and symbols to formulas. If a keyboard isn't already visible, tap , then tap to begin editing a formula. You can quickly enter a number or symbol on an iPad*by dragging downward on its key and then lifting your finger, or on an iPhone by switching to the numeric keyboard. You can also enter a symbol by tapping a symbol above the keyboard.